L3/Harris filmless white phosphor tubes in MX-11769 and MX-10160 formats — 2400+, 2600+ Select, and 2600+ Supergain. Adams Industries.
The difference between thin-film and filmless Gen 3 image intensifier tubes comes down to one component: the ion barrier film. Both use a GaAs photocathode and microchannel plate amplifier. In thin-film tubes (Elbit), a physical film layer prevents ion feedback from the MCP from damaging the photocathode. In filmless tubes (L3/Harris), the ion barrier is eliminated through a different MCP manufacturing approach — reducing one point of light attenuation in the optical path.
The practical result: filmless tubes transmit slightly more light through the ion barrier region of the optical path. At equivalent photocathode sensitivity, a filmless tube captures marginally more of the available signal. L3/Harris filmless white phosphor tubes are available in three performance tiers — 2400+ standard, 2600+ Select, and 2600+ Supergain — in both MX-11769 (PVS-14/MH-14) and MX-10160 (binocular systems) formats. Adams Industries sources to buyer-specified FOM and coordinates licensed installation.
In a Gen 3 image intensifier tube, electrons emitted by the photocathode must pass through the microchannel plate (MCP) for amplification. The MCP produces ion feedback — ions that travel back toward the photocathode and can damage it over time. Thin-film tubes place an aluminum oxide film between the MCP and photocathode to block this feedback. The film works, but it absorbs a small fraction of the incoming photon signal before it reaches the photocathode.
L3/Harris's filmless approach uses a different MCP process — specifically, an MCP with an integrated ion barrier that doesn't require the separate aluminum oxide film. The result is that the photon path from lens to photocathode has one fewer absorptive element. The difference in absolute light transmission is small but measurable — it shows up as slightly higher signal at equivalent photocathode sensitivity, or equivalent signal at slightly lower ambient illumination. At the 2600+ Supergain tier, L3/Harris filmless tubes are among the highest-performing Gen 3 tubes available to the civilian market.
Filmless design removes one absorptive element from the photon path. Slightly higher light transmission at the photocathode versus thin-film tubes at equivalent photocathode sensitivity.
Made in the United States by L3/Harris Technologies. U.S. domestic supply chain — relevant for government, law enforcement, and federal contract procurement.
L3/Harris Supergain tubes represent the peak of civilian-accessible Gen 3 performance. FOM 2600+ with filmless construction — the highest combination available through commercial channels.
Drop-in replacement for PVS-14, MH-14, PVS-14v2, and any MX-11769 format housing. The most common tube format in the Gen 3 civilian market.
For SENTINEL, MH-1, AEON ANVG, PANOS, and other binocular/quad-tube systems. Larger photocathode area than MX-11769 — more photon capture at same light level.
You specify the FOM tier you need. Adams Industries sources within that tier — or better — and documents the delivered spec. No surprise downgrade, no undisclosed substitution.
| Tier | Technology | FOM | Formats |
| L3/Harris Standard | Filmless WP | 2400+ | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| L3/Harris Select | Filmless WP | 2600+ | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| L3/Harris Supergain | Filmless WP | 2600+ | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
ITAR Export Notice: All image intensifier tubes are controlled under ITAR. Export, transfer, or re-export to any non-U.S. person without a valid U.S. Department of State export license is strictly prohibited. All domestic transfers require verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
Contact Adams Industries with your housing format and target FOM — we'll match the L3/Harris filmless tube and coordinate installation.
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